Copyright birminghammail
If you're looking to try something different to Birmingham's German Market this year, why not venture south to the Cotswolds? Just a short drive down the M5 is Cirencester, a honey-coloured town with narrow shopping streets that become full of festive sparkle in November and December. The market town hosts four Christmas markets and has a plethora of independent boutiques for Christmas shopping. There are some cosy cafes and pubs too. Read more: Last minute Bonfire Night firework events around Birmingham you don't have to book ahead Read next: Birmingham Christmas 2025 events you'll want to book tickets for now Cirencester's Christmas Markets run on selected dates from Sunday November 23 to Sunday December 21, meaning there is something going on most weekends during the festive period. Here are the details from Cotswolds Tourism : Sunday 23 November 2025, 10am – 4pm Kick off the season at Cirencester’s Christmas Market, where local traders showcase homewares, jewellery, crafts, and gourmet treats. Saturday 29 November 2025, 10am – 6pm Expect a street market of 100+ stalls, live performances, charity stands, Santa and his sleigh, big screens, and a silent firework display as the town sparkles to life with its festive lights. Saturday 6 December (9am – 5pm) and Sunday 7 December (10am – 4pm) plus 14, 16–18, and 21 December 2025 A special series of weekend markets with over 40 stalls featuring local artisans, live music, and street entertainment. Saturday 13 December (9am – 2:30pm) and Saturday 20 December 2025 Stock up on festive flavours with seasonal produce, game, baked goods, and locally brewed beer—all straight from Cotswold producers. Listen to our latest episode on the Brummie Mummies Podcast There are also the regular Cirencester market, such as the Charter Market which takes place in Market Square every Monday and Friday and a Farmers’ Market every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Cirencester’s Corn Hall also boasts a regular programme of markets which include a Home Fashion and Garden Bazaar (from Monday to Thursday), an Antiques and Collectables Market (on Fridays) and the Original Craftsman's Market (1st and 3rd Saturdays) and the Cotswold Craft Market (2nd and 4th Saturdays). The pretty town is also known for its very special shops, individual boutiques, fascinating antique emporiums and craft shops as well as national chain stores. And it's not far from the Cotswold Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury. Why not make a weekend of it and stay overnight at the Little Town Apartment in the heart of Cirencester? It's based within a grand, renovated period property with manicured communal lawns to enjoy? Or there's the Five Mile House Barn in Duntisbourne Abbots near Cirencester? It features an open-plan living room, traditional range cooker and woodburning stove for cosy winter evenings. It takes around an hour and 20 minutes to drive to Cirencester from Birmingham , traffic permitting, via the M5. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Kemble , switching at Cheltenham Spa. Cirencester is around a four mile taxi ride from the station.
